Nguyen Trung Truc Temple

Traveling to Rach Gia (Kien Giang), the temple of Nguyen Trung Truc is always a popular destination for tourists to visit and worship the national hero.

It is the largest temple among nine temples worshiping Nguyen Trung Truc in Kien Giang province. The temple is situated opposite a peaceful river, right next to the sea with the cool shade of lush green Bodhi tree. It is about 100 meters from the sea, located on Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Vinh Thanh Ward, Rach Gia City, Kien Giang Province. Stepping through the temple gate is a stately bronze statue of Nguyen Trung Truc. His tomb was built in 1986 in the campus of the temple.

Nguyen Trung Truc Temple

The architecture of Nguyen Trung Truc Temple

Nguyen Trung Truc Temple was built in 1869 after his death. At first, it was a small wooden house, with a thatched roof, created by the fishermen to worship Nam Hai Spirit (Whale). The temple was built in Tam style, including the Main Hall, Dong Lang, and Tay Lang.

Built in a traditional style, the roof of the house is curved with a yin and yang tile. The top of the roof is covered with a picture of a dragon, painted with a red look of respect. The main shrine has items commonly found in Southern temples.

Arriving at Nguyen Trung Truc temple, the first feeling of visitors is pure space. Besides the temple, there is also a medicine room with good doctors for free. Every day, a lot of people come to treat illnesses, take medicine, or do merit.

Nguyen Trung Truc Temple

About Nguyen Trung Truc

According to many documents, Nguyen Trung Truc was born in 1837 and was the leader of the revolt against France in Tan An (in Long An province) and Rach Gia (in Kien Giang province). The fighting against foreign invaders made him a god in the hearts of people in the Mekong Delta provinces. 

National hero Nguyen Trung Truc is well-known for his resounding feats of French Espérance (Hope) in 1861 in Nhat Tao and the battle of Rach Gia (Kien Giang) June 16, 1968.

Every year, on the 27th, 28th, 29th of the lunar month, at the temple there is a solemn festival celebrating his death. On the day of the festival, people organize a ritual to worship and replay the sinking of the Hope ship of France on Nhat Tao River. Besides, there are also traditional cultural activities such as boat racing or chess playing. 

The temple and grave of Nguyen Trung Truc were recognized as national cultural and historical relics on December 6, 1989. In 2012, Kien Giang province renovated and embellished the ancient relic of Nguyen Trung Truc temple to be an indispensable tourist destination when coming to Kien Giang.